Justin Beard: Hit the water while you can because summer doldrums are just ahead

May crept up on us this year, which means it won't be long before the ocean begins lying down for the summer.

We typically experience a few pulses of ground swell throughout May and if the weekend forecast holds true, there might be more than a few upset mothers on the Treasure Coast come Sunday.

The wind is forecast to increase Thursday and start to back down by Saturday when a small background swell, capable of producing chest-high waves at top spots during the right tide, fills in.

Expect the swell to stick around for a few days, but Saturday and Sunday most likely will be the best time to surf.

So, make sure you do something really nice for mom before heading to the beach.

DEFEND YOUR COAST

Congress is attempting to pass new legislation that would fast-track new offshore drilling.

U.S. House Bills 1229, 1230 and 1231 would accelerate the leasing process for offshore drilling and mandate new drilling in sensitive ocean areas off virtually every coast in the U.S. Visit http://action.surfrider.org to make your voice heard or for more information.

I AM SURFRIDER

In an effort to capture the voice of its members in Florida, the Surfrider Foundation has started a video campaign titled "I AM SURFRIDER."

Surfrider wants to hear in 30 seconds or less via a YouTube video why each person is a member, what they have brought to the organization or a message of how others can get involved.

Volunteers are also needed and they can sign up during the SFA volunteer registration party from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at Ohana Surf Shop, 652 N.E. Ocean Blvd., Stuart.

Call (772) 287-0041 for more information.

MAMA G PADDLEOUT

Join the Guthrie family and their close friends as they celebrate the life of Lorraine "Mama G" Guthrie, Sebastian's most well-known surf photographer who passed away earlier this year.

The paddleout is set for 11 a.m. Sunday at Sebastian Inlet State Park, 9700 S. A.1.A., Melbourne Beach.Justin Beard is a correspondent for Scripps Treasure Coast Newspapers. This column reflects his opinion. Contact him at TCSurfScene@gmail.com.